What you need to know about this week’s Maine heat wave

A predicted heat wave will be starting Tuesday, with high temperatures and high heat indexes expected through Thursday.

Beginning Tuesday, temperatures will climb into the high 80s and mid 90s. Wednesday will feel even hotter, with heat indexes reaching the high 90s, with potential record high temperatures extending through Thursday.

The high temperatures will impact Aroostook, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, along with interior Hancock and Washington counties.

Looking south, temperatures will be even more extreme in urban areas, including Portland. The heat index could reach up to 106 degrees throughout southwest and western Maine, according to the National Weather Service office in Gray.

Dew points are also expected to be high throughout the Tuesday through Thursday forecast period, leading to oppressive humidity. That will make it feel hotter and make it more difficult to regulate your — and your pets — body temperature.

Coastal Maine will be the place to be throughout the middle of the week, with temperatures slightly cooler than inland, although highs will still be in the high 80s. A slight southwest wind could bring some relief.

Looking Down East, humid air over the ocean could result in dense fog during the current forecast period.

According to the NWS, the upcoming heat wave is expected to be the most significant heat wave event since 2020 , when numerous heat records were broken and very little rain fell.

Extreme heat combined with high humidity can increase the risk for heat illnesses, including heat stroke. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids , stay in an air-conditioned room or an area with moving air and to stay out of the sun when possible.

If you do not have an air conditioner or heat pump, these suggestions can help you stay cool during the day. You can also visit one of the state’s cooling centers , which are open to the public. Some cooling centers will offer rides, as well as pets that are in crates.

Going for a swim can help you cool down, but ocean temperatures are around 55 degrees at this time of year and could induce hypothermia. You can contract hypothermia easily when swimming in water under 64 degrees.

While many public pools aren’t open yet, there’s plenty of great natural swimming spots in the greater Bangor area.

You’ll also want to think about your pets during the heat wave. Animals aren’t able to cool themselves through sweating the way that humans can, and when air temperatures and dew points are high, it is even more difficult for both you and your pets to stay cool. Here’s a few tips on how to help your furry friends through the rest of the week.

While you’re thinking about your animals, it’s important to think about your plants whether you have a hobby garden or a full-blown homestead. These are just a few things you can do to prevent your tomato plants from withering away.